A Look At Cuba's Modernism

John Clouse was kind enough to send some of his beautiful architectural photos from a recent trip to Cuba. The island nation retains many examples of pre-war Modernism, and the subsequent embargo years have meant slow development. This means that the drive to tear things down to put up bland condos and hotels has not occurred there like in other places. Read and see more after the jump... John writes: "I was in Cuba from...

John Clouse was kind enough to send some of his beautiful architectural photos from a recent trip to Cuba. The island nation retains many examples of pre-war Modernism, and the subsequent embargo years have meant slow development. This means that the drive to tear things down to put up bland condos and hotels has not occurred there like in other places. Read and see more after the jump...

John writes:

"I was in Cuba from March 7 through March 16, 2015. Among other things, I was looking for “Modern” architecture. I was not disappointed. Most of these photos were taken in the area of Havana known as Miramar.

Miramar is the area that was inhabited by the elite in pre-revolutionary times. When the revolution came most of its residents fled to Miami. The dwellings were then allocated to ordinary citizens. In Miramar there is an area called 5th Avenue that consists mostly of traditional mansions which are now the homes of many foreign embassies. The side streets, however, contain many 1950s “Modern" homes.Some of the “Modern” buildings are in other parts of Havana and in other towns."

With tensions thawing between the United States and Cuba, there will likely be more opportunities for development on the island--it's too close and too tempting not to develop. Will Cuba's unique island Modernism survive? Time will tell. Thanks to John Clouse for sharing his photos and experiences. If you've visited Cuba and have other photos you want to share, let me know!